Maximum of 30% of available accommodation as Tatkal

July 23, 2016Ekanathan TK

Reduction In Tatkal Quota in Indian Railway

Although Zonal Railways can earmark a maximum of 30% of available accommodation as Tatkal, yet Tatkal quota like all other reservation quotas is reviewed on a periodical basis so as to earmark it based on realistic demand pattern, by reducing it if required. In 2015-16, approximately 18.20% of the total accommodation has been earmarked as Tatkal quota (including Premium Tatkal). Moreover, adequate safeguards have been built in the scheme and various steps have been taken to avoid misuse of the Tatkal scheme, some of which are as under:

i. No refund is granted on cancellation of confirmed Tatkal ticket.

ii. The facility of change of name is not permitted on the booking made under Tatkal Scheme.

iii. The timings of opening of booking under Tatkal scheme on the opening day of reservation have been staggered to 1000 hours and 1100 hours on the previous day of journey from train originating station for AC and non-AC classes respectively.

iv. Authorised ticketing agents have been restricted from booking Tatkal tickets during the first thirty minutes of opening of Tatkal booking i.e. from 1000 hours to 1030 hours and from 1100 hours to 1130 hours.

v. Web service agents have been permitted to book only one Tatkal ticket per train per day.

vi. Maximum four passengers per PNR are permitted for Tatkal Tickets. Individuals are allowed only 2 Tatkal tickets per IP Address from 1000 hours to 1200 hours and maximum number of tickets allowed to an individual user is limited to 6 per month.

vii. CCTVs are installed at important PRS locations to monitor the activity of touts. Regular inspections/drives are conducted to unearth activity of malpractice.

This Press Release is based on information given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Communications and Minister of State for Railways in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 22.07.2016 (Friday).